Train Fans Hit The Tracks For 10th Annual Danbury Railway Days

Kids and parents alike enjoy the Danbury Railway DaysPhoto Credit: Nicole KasserisKids test out the equipment on the train tracks at the Danbury Railway Museum.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisA family sits together in the dining section of a 1920s-style train car.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisDanbury Railroad Museum Volunteer Don Konen explains the function of the turntable in the railroad yard.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisFamily and friends stand on top of an actual turntable in the railroad yard.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisThe turntable in the railroad yard.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisA display of older cars sit in the yard.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisA display of older cars in the railyard.Photo Credit: Nicole KasserisAn old New Haven train sits in the yardPhoto Credit: Nicole KasserisAn original Grand Central Station carPhoto Credit: Nicole Kasseris

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DANBURY, Conn. – For over two decades, the Danbury Railway Museum has drawn train fans from across the region. And this past weekend, the museum held its 10th annual Danbury Railway Days to celebrate.

The museum, completely run by volunteers, offered train rides in the railyard, the Fl-9 engine on display along with the operating forge, and a ride on the 100-year-old turntable.

“I have been a volunteer here for over 15 years. I came here to volunteer after I retired from IBM,” volunteer Don Konen said at the event.

Koren was the lead volunteer on the caboose ride, explaining the train whistle signals and why they are important.

“It’s always important to know which whistles mean, and you should always assume a train is coming by when you cross over tracks and you should approach with caution and safety,” said Konen.

They also offered a demonstration of railroad hand signaling on the caboose ride.

Other open exhibits included the Railroad Post Office Car, caboose, #1455 steam engine, and RDC #32.

For an additional fee, adults could get a chance to operate a GE 44-toner and caboose in the railyard.

The Danbury Museum also hosts other events throughout the year, including the Easter Bunny ride, Pumpkin Patch and the Santa Train.

The museum is housed in the railroad station, which was building in 1903 and is one of the oldest railroad stations in the state of Connecticut. Alfred Hitchcock’s thrilled, "Strangers on a Train," was filmed in and near the station.

The Danbury Railway Museum was dedicated on Oct.29, 1995.

In summer, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit its
website.